News

SCHOTTEL Presents New Mechanical Hybrid Propulsion Solution
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 22, 2019

In a close collaboration with Svitzer of Denmark, SCHOTTEL has developed a new hybrid propulsion concept. The new concept is based on the recent SCHOTTEL Y-Hybrid thruster technology and connects a port and starboard mounted azimuth thruster in a vessel with each other. This makes it possible to drive two thrusters with either one of the main engines. The companies are now discussing a pilot project to retrofit an existing tug with the new mechanical hybrid technology. This will transform the direct driven vessel into a greener and more cost-efficient vessel. 

Svitzer runs a fleet of 430 vessels and operations all over the world, and is having a high focus on innovations and options for fleet modernization. Thomas Bangslund, Group Head of Innovation at Svitzer, was closely involved in the development of the synchron-mechanic hybrid drive system. Svitzer is convinced of the operational and environmental benefits of the new SCHOTTEL SYDRIVE-M in both retrofits and newbuilding projects. 

Common vessel operation profiles for tugs or workboats include up to 90 percent of operation time with low engine loads. To optimize propulsion systems for such load, conventional hybrid propulsion systems come with two independent power sources per propeller, normally configured with a main engine and a smaller electric motor. Those additional electric components make those hybrid concepts more complex and more expensive. 

Many advantages in main operation modes

Based on the unique SCHOTTEL SRP-Y Hybrid upper gear module for azimuth thrusters, SCHOTTEL SYDRIVE-M is a new variable and purely mechanical hybrid propulsion system with no need for any additional electronical components or an additional gear box. This system comes with many advantages as noted in the three following main operation modes: 

- Light Operation or Free Sailing Mode

The core functionality of SYDRIVE-M is to mechanically connect two thrusters and one of the two main engines for all light operation activities which do not require full power of the two main engines. In this synchronized Light Operation Mode, one of the two main propulsion engines remains alternating off. This leads to a noticeable reduction of operating hours of the main propulsion engines, and thus to a reduction of maintenance costs.

In addition, the single running main engine remaining in operation is now better loaded by two thrusters and operates in a better specific fuel consumption range, leading to less fuel consumption and emissions. In contrast to a conventional tug, with two engines running in traditional Light Operation Mode, where both engines are operated at a relatively low rpm range which is not efficient with regard to fuel consumption and emissions.

- Full Thrust Operation Mode

For short operation times when full propulsion power is needed, the connection between the two thrusters is disengaged and each engine is engaged to each thruster. The system is now identical to any other directly driven propulsion system.

- FiFi-Mode

For any directly driven vessel the new SYDRIVE-M system provides a solution to enable fire-fighting operation with no need of an additional investment in components like medium or heavy duty slipping clutches, CP propellers or dedicated engines to supply power to a FiFi-pump. For the SYDRIVE-M FiFi-mode, the disengaged main engine is used to drive the FiFi-pump through its front PTO. 

For newbuild and retrofit 

SYDRIVE-M can be integrated into any usual vessel design with direct propulsion with no need of design changes. It is available for the SCHOTTEL Rudderpropeller and SCHOTTEL EcoPeller series of azimuth thrusters from 1,000 kW up to 3,000 kW. Retrofit is possible upon request for specific SCHOTTEL azimuth thrusters and engine types. The system has been filed for patenting. 

Dualog Takes Cyber Security to Higher Level with Dualog Protect
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Tromso-based Dualog has taken shipboard cyber security to a higher level by launching a new service that promises to totally protect vessels and their onboard IT systems even before an attack occurs.

Dualog Protect is being heralded as the first line of defense in a robust approach to cyber security onboard ship, where malware and unwanted data traffic is blocked at the DNS-level. By setting up this extra layer of defense, owners and managers can drastically reduce the risk of malware attacks on their ships.

An important factor if you consider the findings of a Cisco Security Research paper which claims that 91.3 percent of malware uses DNS in attacks.

Dualog Protect blocks ransom-ware, trojans and phishing attempts as well as preventing ‘command-and-control call-backs’ and data exfiltration. By operating at the DNS-level, the service protects all computers and devices attached to all onboard networks. It is an easy-to-implement system that addresses the emerging needs of the shipping industry to implement robust cybersecurity measures, given the advent of always-on operations, digitalization, Internet of Things (IoT) and new connectivity demands from the maritime workforce.

As the number of onboard systems requiring online connectivity is increasing, Dualog Protect provides the level of protection needed to provide connectivity across a fleet without compromising security.

According to Geir-Inge Jensen, Operations Manager at Dualog, the advent of always-on satellite connections has exposed shipping to viruses, malware and hacking attacks.

“Vessel owners and operators need to address these issues quickly to avoid being an easy target. Effective incident management policies and processes improve resilience and reduce impact in case of an incident. Dualog can help mitigate these risks and help shipping companies ensure the benefits of digitalisation and increased connectivity are not lost,” he said.

Walter Hannemann, Product Manager at Dualog, added: “The Dualog Platform, with email, file transfer and internet services, is built to adhere to the highest standards of cyber resilience and security. State-of-the-art and redundant security services are incorporated into the core of the products, making sure that uptime is maximized.”

He added: “With Dualog Protect we now offer an even more comprehensive filtering mechanism that will allow for company-wide policies and a simpler way of handling the blocking of malicious and unwanted traffic. Besides much improved cyber security, it is also possible to filter traffic for domains and services per company policies, by allowing or blocking specific domains or URLs. This works on all protocols, websites and apps, without breaking data encryption.”

Dualog places a lot of importance on the effectiveness of its systems, guaranteeing service uptime of 99.5 percent backed up by a 24/7 operational support team.

Its servers handled a total of 180 Terabytes (180,000,000 MB) of data during the fourth quarter of 2018 and a  total of 28,119,029 emails were scanned for viruses and other threats.

A total of 13,386,302 emails were rejected because there were identified as part of large-scale spam attacks while 149,104 were phishing emails with links to unsecure websites. A total of 142,917 viruses or malware were detected and stopped.

Oman Shipping Company Places Newbuild Order with DSME
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Oman Shipping Company (OSC) is launching an ambitious fleet expansion plan after placing two newbuild VLCC (Very Large Crude Carriers) orders with South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

OSC's CFO and acting CEO Michael Jorgensen (pictured) said the newbuilds are expected to be deployed in the spot market, as the company plots further fleet expansion in the bulk and container market.

The next generation eco-friendly vessels will add to OSC’s expanding fleet of 49 vessels including 16 VLCCs, 17 product tankers and four chemical carriers.

The two latest additions will be constructed at DSME’s Okpo shipyard measuring 336m in length, with a breadth of 60m, each with deadweight capacity of 300,000 mt. The order is scheduled for delivery in the final quarter of 2020.

“The new additions to OSC’s VLCC fleet will be amongst the most technically advanced in the world,” said Jorgensen. “They will form a key part of our expansion plan over the coming years as we prepare for further investment in oil and product carriers in 2019/2020, particularly in the bulk and container market.

“The newbuild VLCC project will involve the very latest eco-friendly technology to meet and exceed the environmental regulation standards of the International Maritime Organisation. Key elements of the next generation design include highly-efficient engine and fuel-saving technologies. They will also be outfitted with open loop scrubbers bringing addition environmental benefits while also addressing new SOX, NOX environmental regulations effective from January 01, 2020.

“The investment comes as OSC continues to report strong growth following long-term deals with local refineries and traders. Our crude oil and product vessel portfolio accounts for more than half of the company’s national fleet. The latest expansion is a further reflection of the significant upturn in liquid cargoes, including crude, refined petroleum fuels and petrochemicals, being generated by Oman’s largely hydrocarbon-centric economy.

“Much of the recent growth has been underpinned by major industrial and petrochemical clusters established at Sohar, Salalah and Duqm. Recent investments in mega refining and petrochemicals schemes in these clusters well for the further growth of OSC’s shipping capacity.”

Jorgensen said significant growth is also being driven by a new VLCC ‘spot-chartering’ desk which secured more than 100 fixtures with world leading oil majors in its first 20 months of operation. This includes new contracts with oil majors and traders.

In the domestic market, OSC’s growth is being driven by a 20-year contract to transport condensate for ORPIC (Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company) and a 15-year deal transporting methanol for OTI (Oman Trading International) from Salalah Methanol plant.

The company is further supporting the export of LPG from Sohar Refinery to Yemen, Sudan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Tenth Consecutive Year Of Favorable Coast Guard Security Review
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 22, 2019

For the 10th consecutive year, the state-owned, public marine terminals at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore received a top rating on an annual security assessment from the U.S. Coast Guard for 2018. The Coast Guard conducts annual and thorough examinations of the Port’s six public marine terminals: Dundalk, Seagirt, North Locust Point, South Locust Point (including the cruise passenger terminal), Fairfield and Masonville.

“The Port of Baltimore is one of the most productive and secure ports in the nation,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Congratulations to everyone who had a role in this well-deserved recognition and everyone who continues to make the Port one of Maryland’s leading economic engines.”    

Each year Coast Guard Sector Maryland conducts a comprehensive inspection of the Port’s state-owned marine terminals to ensure they are within compliance of federal security regulations. The visual inspection includes a review of access control procedures and makes certain that physical security fixtures, such as high-mast lighting and fencing are up to federal security standards.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA), which oversees the Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals, has moved forward in recent years with many new security initiatives and enhancements including closed circuit television, cyber security, and stronger access control technologies. 

In a letter to MDOT MPA Executive Director James J. White, Coast Guard Captain of the Port J.B. Loring said the Port Administration exceeded expectations and referred to the risk mitigation programs in place and overall continued efforts to secure the state-owned public marine terminals.  

Among the nation’s ports, the Port of Baltimore ranks first for autos and light trucks, roll on/roll off heavy farm and construction machinery, and imported sugar.  The Port ranks second in exported coal.  Overall, the Port ranks ninth among all ports for the total dollar value of cargo and 12th in foreign cargo tonnage. Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 13,650 direct jobs, while about 127,600 jobs in Maryland are linked to Port activities. The Port is responsible for nearly $3 billion in personal wages and salary and $310 million in state and local tax revenues.                         

Despite Challenges, USCGC Polar Star Arrives in Antarctica
by Mike Schuler
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
The 150 crewmembers of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star have arrived in Antarctica along with a resupply vessel as part of Operation Deep Freeze, the annual mission to resupply U.S. interests in Antarctica. The icebreaker’s arrival comes after the crew experienced multiple mechanical issues, including ship-wide power outages, and against the backdrop of […]